Therapeutic touch treatment sessions started at the Huntsville long-term care home in early May and there has been a big turnout since it started, says Pamm Griffin, the home’s activation co-ordinator.

“We had one volunteer who came in and she did individual treatments in the residents’ rooms,” Griffin tells The Morning Report. “She came to me to see if there would be an interest in a therapeutic touch program at Muskoka Landing.”

Griffin jumped on board with the idea and it took off.

Between two and six volunteers tend to an average of 15 residents, plus their family members, the home’s staff and volunteers. Each session lasts between five and 20 minutes, depending on the needs of the participant. Sessions are held every Wednesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the home’s chapel.

And there’s no shortage of interest in the sessions.

“Residents and families are waiting before the volunteers get here,” says Griffin.

Every one of us has energy within and surrounding our bodies, explains physiotherapist Janice Parrott, one of the volunteers practising touch therapy at the home.

Touch therapy involves therapists using their hands to focus on and direct this energy so it moves freely around the body, facilitating the body’s natural restorative process, says Parrott.

“The goal is to normalize the energy flow,” says Parrott.

Griffin says the sessions are showing favourable results.

“Some residents will say they feel energized,” she says. “They can breathe clearer and it helps the relaxation response and reduces anxiety.”

Parrott says touch therapy has shown to be effective in treating wounds.

“People who have received touch therapy over a wound area have (healed) significantly faster,” she notes.

Each volunteer is from the Huntsville area and is trained by the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario, the governing body overseeing the practice in the province.

Muskoka Landing is trying to promote healthy living as much as possible, says Griffin, and therapeutic touch therapy is the newest practice to come to the home.

Other therapies include offered at the home include armchair yoga and massage therapy.